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Thursday, December 18, 2025
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    State Parks, Forests

    Benedum foundation awards $50,000 to West Virginia State Parks Foundation

    0
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...
    Higher Education

    WVU experts say layering, not bulky clothing, keeps you warmer in winter

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As temperatures drop across West Virginia,...
    History / Prehistory

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    4
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856,...
    State Parks, Forests

    Why West Virginia's state parks matter now more than ever

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West...
    Agriculture

    West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

    1
    RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

    0
    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Arts

    Tale of "Frosty the Snowman" is rooted in mountains of West Virginia

    0
    KEYSER, W.Va. — Few West Virginians may know that...
    State Parks, Forests

    Why West Virginia's state parks matter now more than ever

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West...
    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    1
    CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a...
    History / Prehistory

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    4
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856,...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development129History / Prehistory122Hunting121State Parks, Forests117Lore and Legend116Arts109Higher Education101Agriculture92Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums79National Parks75Fishing73Travel / Transportation66Festivals / Events65Recreation64Botany and Forestry62

    Headlines

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

    Natural Wonders David Sibray -
    ZENITH, W.Va. — Those who have heard the haunting "Peters Mountain Roar" say it will forever stay with them....

    Oil spilled from W.Va.'s largest well traveled 100 miles to Ohio River

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    COPLEY, W.Va. — In a quiet meadow along the upper reaches of the Sand Fork of the Little Kanawha...

    Islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are a Noah's Ark for wildlife

    Wildlife Refuges, Management Areas Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — Hidden in plain sight, the islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are a Noah's...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American West begins at West Virginia— specifically at the tip of...

    Tales of the Sliding Hill Ghosts are not forgotten by an older generation

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    HARTFORD CITY, W.Va. — Old-timers still tell of the ghosts that are said to haunt Sliding Hill in Mason...

    A hidden parkway travels beneath the New River Gorge Bridge in W.Va.

    National Parks David Sibray -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Nearly all who cross the towering New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia are affected by...

    Horrific origin of West Virginia city name Wheeling: "Place of the Skull"

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    WHEELING, W.Va. — To the average motorist hurtling through the City of Wheeling on Interstate 70, nothing about the...

    Weird W.Va. wonder "Ice Mountain" open to tours by arrangement

    Natural Wonders Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    NORTH RIVER MILLS, W.Va.— One of West Virginia's most fascinating natural wonders, Ice Mountain, where winter ice lingers in...

    Attractions

    New historical society to help conserve New River Gorge region in West Virginia

    1
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Historians, history buffs, and preservationists have...

    Ghost town fundraiser to highlight film, uncertain future of Thurmond, West Virginia

    4
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge,...

    Historical society seeks contributions to restore legendary "Chessie 29" railcar

    6
    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio...

    Lost village of "Lilly" hides in national park lands in West Virginia

    20
    HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where...

    Communities

    West Virginia tourism office launches "Almost Heaven" brand licensing program

    3
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...

    How long does the autumn leaf change last in West Virginia?

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Although October is quickly coming to...

    Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Culture

    West Virginia-made comedy "Ambrosia!" nominated at Delaware film festival

    3
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West...

    First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey...

    Biggest of the year, Beaver Moon will light November sky, recall early West Virginia history

    2
    BEAVER, W.Va. — For those who step outside on...

    Prehistoric burial mound in West Virginia contains remarkable secret

    19
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising above the end of...

    Recreation

    Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops

    2
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When...

    Three of four West Virginia alpine ski areas to open this week

    0
    GHENT, W.Va. – West Virginia is officially kicking off...

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

    0
    FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its...

    Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be...

    History and Prehistory

    Charles Town grave marks the last resting place of restless John Yeats Beall

    0
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In the Zion Episcopal churchyard...

    The Confederacy’s last major offensive in West Virginia: the Battle of Bulltown

    1
    BULLTOWN, W.Va. — On a quiet October morning in...

    Forgotten grave of priest sheds light on West Virginia’s religious past

    6
    GLEN DALE, W.Va. — Lone graves aren't rare in...

    How a violent West Virginia textbook battle helped redefine U.S. education

    2
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the spring of 1974, an...

    Lore and Legend

    The legend of the Vegetable Man: How a bloodsucking alien left its mark on West Virginia

    0
    FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A lesser-known encounter with an extraordinary...

    Professors at WVU trace Halloween through ancient, cross-cultural traditions

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — From cauldrons to candy corn, favorite...

    Account claims lost Swift silver mine delved near Big Sandy River in West Virginia

    4
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — One of the most appealing of...

    Shenandoah folk song: tracing the origins and meaning of a beloved American ballad

    4
    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — It’s fair to say that...

    State Parks

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

    1
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...

    West Virginia launches pet-friendly "West FURginia" state park ranger program

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have launched the...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    West Virginia State Parks Foundation awarded $17,500 grant for forestry work

    0
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...

    Hunting

    2025 archery and crossbow hunting seasons open September 27 in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of...

    First section of autumn 2025 black bear firearms season opens in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of...

    West Virginia releases its 2025 hunting outlook and mast survey report

    1
    ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division...

    West Virginia shifts future meeting time for natural resources to boost public access

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division...

    Fishing

    W.Va. officials expect more record-breaking fish amid growing trend

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Record-breaking fish seem to have become...

    West Virginia stocks monstrous trophy-sized trout in 44 lakes, streams

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural...

    W.Va. announces fall trout stockings and return of Monster Trout Contest

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will begin fall trout...

    Record West Virginia blue catfish broken fourth year in a row

    0
    GALLIPOLIS FERRY, W.Va. — For the fourth year in...

    Hiking

    Nature’s classroom in the Kanawha Valley: A vibrant trail system blossoms in Buffalo

    0
    BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of...

    Strange single-leafed orchid sprouts in winter woodlands in West Virginia

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Only the most sharp-eyed outdoor enthusiasts...

    W.Va. Gov. celebrates expanded access to Endless Wall hiking trail

    0
    LANSING, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice and other state...

    Expert New River Gorge hiker shares her four favorite national park trails

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Which are the best hiking trails...

    Skiing

    Five reasons why your family should visit West Virginia this winter 

    0
    CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. – During a time of year...

    Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

    0
    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Construction is nearing completion on top...

    West Virginia officials predict big President's Day skiing weekend

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia ski resorts are experiencing...

    Snowshoe Mountain ski resort to open 50th season Nov. 27, 2024

    0
    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain ski resort in West...

    National Parks

    Sandstone Falls emerges as a must-see destination in the New River Gorge

    1
    SANDSTONE, W.Va. — Sandstone Falls, one of the most...

    A hidden parkway travels beneath the New River Gorge Bridge in W.Va.

    5
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Nearly all who cross the towering...

    Organizations join forces to apprehend New River Gorge vandals

    0
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Two organizations in West Virginia...

    Grandview panoramas showcase New River Gorge at its widest, deepest

    0
    SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Perched more than 1,400 feet...

    Kayaking

    Whitewater Rafting

    Biking

    New Parkersburg-area trail designed for intermediate level bikers

    0
    Already among the most popular destinations for mountain biking...

    Piney Creek trails attracting dozens daily; trail map unveiled

    0
    Hikers, bikers, and runners in growing numbers are venturing...

    Gorge resort introduces electric-assist mountain bike adventures

    0
    Imagine peddling less and riding faster. The new electric-assist...

    New trail to historic mill ruin to open Saturday in Beckley

    0
    Officials in Beckley, West Virginia, on Saturday will open...

    Recent Posts

    Data centers collide with West Virginia's new profitable remote-work, recreation brand

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past decade successfully selling itself as a place where people can...

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    Skiing and Snowsports Ted Fauster -
    CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a renaissance. As snow-loving retirees, energetic youths, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous...

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    Hiking David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome the New Year by inviting residents and visitors to step...

    Bumper nut, acorn crop and disease reduced West Virginia buck harvest in 2025

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and acorns and localized outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease contributed to a...

    Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After more than five decades working inside the West Virginia State Park system, former superintendent Scott...

    Benedum foundation awards $50,000 to West Virginia State Parks Foundation

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum...

    WVU experts say layering, not bulky clothing, keeps you warmer in winter

    Higher Education Clyde Craig -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As temperatures drop across West Virginia, many people are pulling wool long johns from storage or...

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    History / Prehistory William Kerrigan -
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856, attorney James Jackson awoke to learn that one of the...

    Why West Virginia's state parks matter now more than ever

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West Virginia's state park system approaches, officials say the network of...

    West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

    Agriculture David Sibray -
    RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in...

    Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

    Skiing and Snowsports David Sibray -
    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic, opened the 2025–26 winter season Friday with...

    Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops

    Hiking Clyde Craig -
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When the leaves fall, and the chatter of summer tourism fades,...
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    Popular

    Arts

    Tale of "Frosty the Snowman" is rooted in mountains of West Virginia

    State Parks, Forests

    Why West Virginia's state parks matter now more than ever

    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    History / Prehistory

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    National Parks

    Lost village of "Lilly" hides in national park lands in West Virginia

    State Parks, Forests

    Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

    Landmarks / Museums

    Ghost town fundraiser to highlight film, uncertain future of Thurmond, West Virginia

    Lore and Legend

    Quiet West Virginia village of Clayton named for 1835 hot-air balloon crash

    Recreation

    Governor helps fund 61 outdoor recreation projects in West Virginia

    West Virginia Explorer Webzine is an online publication that celebrates the Mountain State's rich culture and natural beauty. Readers enjoy travel tips, hidden gems, outdoor adventures, local lore, and community news. For more than a quarter century, we've been the No. 1 trusted guide for exploring West Virginia.

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    Headlines

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

    4
    ZENITH, W.Va. — Those who have heard the haunting...

    Oil spilled from W.Va.'s largest well traveled 100 miles to Ohio River

    0
    COPLEY, W.Va. — In a quiet meadow along the...

    Islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are a Noah's Ark for wildlife

    0
    WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — Hidden in plain sight, the islands...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    1
    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American...

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